Hi, I've been learning HTML, and a friend told me JavaScript would make my sites (a little crappy, I just started HTML a few weeks ago) look better. What are some of the things JavaScript can do?

More importantly, what do you want it to do?

JavaScript can be considered a programming tool to HTML (and other) programmers. Some examples of what it can do are put dynamic text into webpages, react to what a user on your site does, see what browser a visitor on your site is using, and create cookies. On this site, for instance, JavaScript is used whenever you see a new PM pop up.

Along with the pip_popup among other things.

To put it simply, it makes a static web page (made only of xHTML/CSS) into a dynamic one. It's quite similar to PHP in many aspects, but there are some key differences. The script is run on your browser's end (client-side), not the server's end (server-side), which is opposed to PHP. This means JavaScript can run a script without reloading the page, whereas PHP needs to. Topdog gave some examples to what sort of things can be dynamic, but Earl's question is most important here.

I just really wanted to know what it was and what was possible using it. I like what I heard, so after I learn more about HTML, I'll start getting into JavaScript. Thanks guys, it sounds really fun .

It actually takes effort to learn Javascript unlike HTML. Not simple markup stuff-- JS is "real" programming.

Depends on your standard. Technically it is, but its pretty watered down compared to Java, C/C++, or ASP.NET

By definition, JavaScript is programming. It sets variables and performs calculations to manipulate variables. JavaScript has a purpose and isn't expected to have large boundaries like Java and C++. I agree with the later half of Cjgone's comment.

I know Javascript is real programming by definition, I just don't consider it to be "real" according to my standards. I admit, its useful to use to create all types of webpage wonders , but I'm a serious Java programmer myself, and I work with many other serious programmers, so Javascript is not "real" as in, dynamic, sophisticated, and complex as some languages like C++.

It's not intended to be complex like C++. It serves the purpose it was intended for. It sounds like your definition of "real programming" is all but JavaScript. It is dynamic already but even more so with AJAX which is an off-shoot of JS.